Belts & Hoses

An assortment of belts and hoses are essential parts of any motor. Belts are responsible for opening and closing valves and for distributing power to necessary  functions, such as cooling fans or the power steering pump. Hoses allow fluids, such as gas or oil, to move from one area to another.

For the safety of your vehicle, and the precious cargo it carries, both belts and hoses should be regularly inspected for wear and tear. If it’s been a while since your last inspection, contact Team Automotive today to schedule an appointment with one of our ASE-certified mechanics. We offer several repair and replacement services to choose from that include inspecting your belts and hoses for wear and tear.

What is a Timing Belt?

Timing belts are large, wide rubber bands that allow the crankshaft to turn the camshaft. This is important because the camshaft opens and closes valves in time with the engine’s pistons. If the timing belt tears, the engine immediately stops working.

What is a Serpentine Belt?

Serpentine belts are made of rubber and work to transport power to  several engine components. Since these belts do so much for your engine, they are often called “fan belts,” “accessory belts” or “drive belts.” These belts move power to the alternator, power steering pump, crankshaft pulley, air conditioning compressor and, depending on your vehicle, the water pump as well.

What do Engine Hoses Do?

There are several essential hoses that run throughout your vehicle’s engine. They regulate temperature by moving coolant, also known as antifreeze, throughout the engine to absorb, then expel and transfer heat. Without these hoses, or should one tear or burst, your engine is unable to cool itself and will overheat.

Timing Belt Problems

A timing belt can last for about 7 to 10 years, but that’s only in optimal conditions. There are a number of factors that can cause a belt to fray, become misaligned, become loose or snap. Since it’s so difficult to tell if a timing belt is becoming worn out, most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If your car is reaching the 60K mark, or if it’s exceeded it, call Team Automotive today and make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and friendly auto repair mechanics.

Serpentine Belt Problems

Most cars only have one serpentine belt, so if it snaps, everything it provides power to will stop working — including your battery. The loss of cooled air also means your engine could overheat, which can lead to an expensive fix. Thankfully, serpentine belts often exhibit signs they’re wearing down. Common signs to look for include:

• Squealing , knocking and slapping sounds
• Visible fraying, cracking, splitting or glazing
• No cool air from air conditioner
• Dead or dying car battery
• Overheating engine
• Loss of power steering

If your vehicle is exhibiting any unusual signs, call Team Automotive immediately to schedule an inspection.

Engine Hose Problems

Proper hose inspections are important, since the tubes are subjected to intense temperatures, dirt, oils and sludge — all of which contribute to the breakdown of a hose. You can inspect hoses yourself for the following issues:

• Cracks, nicks or bulges
• Hardened glassy surfaces
• Soft “mushy” sections
• Leaky hose

If you notice any of these warning signs, or aren’t sure if you’re checking your hoses properly, call Team Automotive. Our ASE-certified mechanics will offer any auto belt and hose repairs, replacements or maintenance services.

Here are a few ways to maintain your engine’s belts and hoses:

• Schedule regular service appointments
• Inspect belts and hoses for fraying
• Inspect belts for cracking, splitting or glazing
• Inspect hoses for cracks, nicks or bulges
• Inspect hoses for hardened, glassy surfaces
• Inspect hoses for soft sections or leaks

Maintaining your belts and hoses through regular service appointments with Team Automotive is an easy way to stop problems before they have a chance to start. Our ASE-certified mechanics are trained to recognize signs of trouble and they’ll offer you auto hose and belt repairs or hose and belt replacement options, accordingly. If it’s been a while since you took a look under the hood — or if you’ve never had the belts and hoses checked — call Team Automotive and schedule an appointment, or drop in for a free quote today.